How Group-ism and Policies Create Divides in Offices: Is There a Fair Solution?

Group-ism in Offices

Most of us will accept that group-ism is prevalent in most offices—friends, relatives, same caste, forward vs. backward, men and/or women, rich and/or poor, same location/school/college/state/region/language/department, similar hobbies/likes & dislikes, level/grade/rank & file, etc.

On top of that, reservation policies and Visakha guidelines add fuel to the fire, leading to a vertical split.

Adherence is a must; but practically, the 'special beneficiaries anywhere,' like Bharat in Ramayan, are not seen with a balanced mindset. Recruitment, appraisal, promotion, posting/deputation, transport, foreign travel, training & seminar participation, maternity, night shift, facilities, office job vs. outgoing; everywhere you will find the tool of prize & punishment.

Where is the equal battlefield? Who will think of the sufferers? How difficult is it for decision-makers to analyze both rational and nonsensical factors and get away with it? Who knows what 'emotional bonding' means in this scenario?

I find a negative undertone in your post. Yes, discrimination could come in any form. However, keeping the workplace free from discrimination is the challenge for leadership. Most organized companies have policies that promote diversity. Infosys is a classic example. A couple of years ago, they realized that you cannot be an MNC with an all-Indian staff. Therefore, they have started employing expats even in India as well.

Now, a particular manager or person in a position of authority may misuse their powers or ignore the laid-down policies. However, that does not mean that the organization has failed per se. It is that person who fails the organization.

As for a few companies that cherish homogeneity, they never rise beyond a certain point. Why bother about those companies that, instead of running professionally, turn into a rehabilitation center for individuals from their own caste or religion?

Homogeneity Versus Heterogeneity

Homogeneity versus heterogeneity is a challenge to humankind. It was there in the past, it exists today, and it will remain tomorrow as well. After all, "birds of a feather flock together," goes the famous proverb. It is not that simple to defy the proverb, and there could be exceptions. But rising above this ordinariness is what extraordinariness!

Regards,
Dinesh V Divekar

Dear Sanjay2306, after reading your post, I did not comprehend the issue that we are supposed to consider, as I was not conversant with either the Vishaka Guidelines or Emotional Bonding/Attachment at work. After reading about the former on Wikipedia, I found that it refers to Sexual Harassment at work. I read about the latter at Detachment and Your Purpose. I am all the more confused and do not understand the relevance of your statement, "Adherence is a must; but practically, the ‘special beneficiaries anywhere,’ i.e., Bharat in Ramayan, are not seen with a balanced mindset," in your post above. So, may I kindly request you to clearly state what is the question that you would like to consider?

I repeat my question for the Super Moderator from the post itself:

1. Where is the equal battlefield?
2. Who will think of the sufferers?

What are the corrective measures possible now? First, you appease a group without any timeframe, then dissent will arise in the other group. You will start appeasing them also because you want to be politically correct. This is wrong.

Please plan and schedule an equal battlefield.

Equal Opportunity for All

My demand is equal opportunity for everybody, regardless of caste or gender. However, the current appeasement policy is creating unrest among those who are not receiving any benefits. In fact, in many cases, they are not even eligible to apply. This is unfair, isn't it?

Are you saying the Reservation Policy is causing discomfort?

Dear Sanjay and friends, it appears Sanjay has been hurt deeply in his stride somewhere and he started fuming, "Why this to me only?"

If I'm right, your post touches upon all the matters right from the creation of this world itself and the evolution of mankind. God Almighty didn't create the earth alone but also other earths, like numerous planets, which are unique in their own selves. Coming to mankind, the human race, He/She didn't create man alone but also the woman with her own natural features. Man and woman are not equal; they have their own strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, among animals and all living things, animate and inanimate. Then animals and humans created differences among themselves to suit the conditions prevailing in the past, for the present, and for the future. As the head counts ever on the increase, "Survival of the fittest" comes to play. No one is equal with another irrespective of who he/she might be.

Re: Reservations

These are society/governments made checks and balances to correct certain aberrations. You would agree a weaker child is normally given additional diet until such time that child becomes normal like the other. Differences exist in everything and everywhere. We don't behave all the time in the same manner; we don't eat and drink the same thing all the time and every time. No one is like the other one. We used to say our own ten fingers are not the same as the other. Honestly, can you say you love your own family members and friends in the same measure without any differences among them? When you can't, why do you rue about others? Differences are bound to be there always, and no one on earth, not even extra-terrestrial/aliens, can avoid this. So try to reconcile with nature and prepare yourself to excel. If you have the will, you will emerge a winner. All the best, pal.

Friends can add.

The Unequal Battlefield: What Can We Do?

The world is an unequal battlefield! The question here is: What are we going to do about it?

Choice 1: Accept it and make do/go along.

Choice 2: Try to change ourselves and not practice all that you see is wrong/unequal.

What I am trying to say here is this: before we can change others, we have to change ourselves. In your daily life, personal and professional, see and treat everyone as a beautiful human, not along the lines of race, class, or creed.

Easier said than done, you may say, but in my 62 years of existence in this world, I am still doing that; not a popular stand but there it is.

I remember a quote from Gandhi ji: "Be the change you want to see in this world."

In your thoughts and actions, others must see the difference. Then perhaps they will emulate you - a candle in the dark room that starts attracting the moths.

Sounds a little philosophical, you may say, but do try. I did, and it does seem to have some effect.

Best Regards,
Audi Narasingam
Malaysia

Here's a post started by Dr. Jogeshwar Mahanta raising a similar question on 'why':

Matter Went to HR Head - Preventing Sexual Harassment

https://www.citehr.com/477642-matter...nt-sexual.html

Hoping to find practices from firms being shared there.

I agree with our seniors who are flummoxed by the post. Kumar S. and Audi Narasingam's responses are apt and meaningful. It's not clear how the member has been affected by the Reservation Policy or Vishakha judgment. I hope he gives some concrete data and his own experience on these issues. Is the Reservation Policy applied in his office? Has he been subjected to the Vishakha judgment?

What is clear is the sense of frustration and complaint with everything. I am sure such issues of being an "angry young man" tend to get clarified as one attains maturity and wisdom.

As far as equality is concerned, the world is not created equal! How come a rich man's children enjoy every luxury and a poor man's children even have to starve? Is there any fault of the children or did they have any choice in where to take birth? Children in Africa are dying before they even reach the age of 5, whereas those in affluent countries tend to live up to their 80's in affluence and luxury.

There is no end to grouse and complaints. One can just keep on complaining and grumbling and make everyone's life miserable. What one can ideally do is have a positive mental attitude and do one's best whatever the circumstances. And as already said, be the change one wants to see.

Warm regards.

This is the most appropriate reply from among the replies. Mr. Sanjay appears to be seeking uniformity which is never possible. Dear Sanjay! Please command yourself "adapt" repeatedly as many times as you can and please post the effect of the reverberation of this single word on you. Best of luck.

I was like this some time back until a friend told me: "For things to change, I must change." I am still changing...

I rarely comment on these posts, but I was moved by the 'anguish' in Mr. Sanjay's outburst; hence, my long-winded response.

My best regards to you.
Audi Narasingam
Attribution: https://www.citehr.com/477631-reserv...#ixzz2mguCwyN3

I am really curious to know what is in the opening post that attracted so many long responses.